Illegal construction of Sunlight Eco-Tourism Island Resort in Palawan
A world-class resort called Sunlight Eco-Tourism Island Resort located in Culion, Palawan is currently under investigation for its alleged illegal construction.
The billionaire who owns and investor of Sunlight Eco-Tourism Island Resort materialized his business in Palawan and funded the construction of a 300-meter bridge made of Narra wood to connect Naglayan Island to an islet he allegedly developed into a world-class resort. Mayor Emiliano Marasigan of Culion, Palawan issued a permit to operate to a businessman identified as Giok Eh Sy Brito. The property owner was able to occupy a wildlife protected mangrove area and secured a transfer of ownership in 2014.
However, an official of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) mentioned that the island is classified as forest land. Thus, "no person may utilize, exploit, occupy, possess, or conduct any activity within the area". Should anyone would like to develop the land, they are required to secure a special permit called "forestland agreement for tourism purposes or Flag-T".
A court in Palawan has already issued search warrants allowing authorities to conduct a close investigation of the illegally constructed island resort in Culion.